"Blarney Blowout" at University of Massachusetts Leads to 73 Arrests

Authorities say the "Blarney Blowout," a pre-St. Patrick's Day party near the University of Massachusetts got reckless, leading to over 70 arrests yesterday.

The New York Post reports that police spent the majority of the day trying to break up the massive party, which lasted into Sunday morning. Police in riot gear were summoned after noise complaints, as well as reports of public intoxication and fighting.

The Post adds that most of the arrests happened at an off-campus apartment complex for the celebration, which began yesterday morning. By noon, campus, city and state law enforcement had been called in to quell the crowd, which had surpassed 4,000 people.

Though authorities made the crowd disperse, another large group congregated in front of a frat house. Responding officers were pelted with snowballs, cans, bottles and rocks. According to Amherst Police Capt. Jennifer Gundersen, three officers were injured after being hit by bottles, and one was hurt while trying to make an arrest. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

In total, 73 arrests were made, an university spokesman Ed Blaguszewski said the actions of students who were arrested will be reviewed under the school's code of conduct.